DOT Proposes Bike Rack at Cobble Hill Intersection

By Heather Holland on June 25, 2012 2:33pm | Updated on June 27, 2012 10:16am

COBBLE HILL — The Department of Transportation has proposed to install bike parking at the intersection of Pacific and Court streets, to curb illegal parking in the “No-Standing” zone at the intersection, according to a community group.

The Cobble Hill Association, an organization dedicated to improving the neighborhood, originally introduced the plan to the agency.

The CHA made a presentation in front of the DOT in February, indicating traffic problems and possible solutions to them.

One issue raised was the need for stricter enforcement of the “No Standing” parking restriction at the intersection of Pacific and Court streets.

Despite the restriction, drivers often park there and block the view of drivers trying to make a left-hand turn onto Court, said Dave ‘Paco’ Abraham, a vice president of the Cobble Hill Association.

To solve this problem, the DOT and the CHA proposed that an on-street bike rack be installed at the corner, to stop cars from parking there.

Similar racks have been installed at Smith and Sacket streets, and in the East Village, at East Ninth Street between First and Second avenues.

“The bike racks are low enough that a biker or a driver can look over them,” Abraham said. “As a driver, when I drive up Pacific Street, I stop at the crosswalk to let pedestrians pass and then I inch out.

"When a car is blocking the view, I have to inch out further and further, blocking the crosswalk. As a pedestrian, I’m always frustrated when my crosswalk is not clear because a car is blocking it.”

The DOT made a presentation of the proposal to Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 last week, and it was approved unanimously by the board’s transportation committee.

The plan will be voted on by the full board at the board’s executive committee meeting, scheduled for Monday evening.

“Bike parking is a bonus,” Abraham said. “We just wanted the no standing enforced. It’s not just a gift to cyclists, and it’s not just a punishment for drivers. It’s about equalizing an intersection.”

Current state of intersection at Court and Pacific Streets, with a car that has parked illegally in &quot;No-Standing&quot; zone.View Full Caption

Cobble Hill Association

DOT did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Community Board Two 2 not available immediately for comment.

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